Would you like to save money on your home energy costs while helping the environment? The Town of Chevy Chase encourages residents to conserve energy whenever possible, and the Climate and Environment Committee has many suggestions to help you! Here’s a few of their recommendations, plus some pointers from Energy.gov:
1. When it’s time to replace an appliance or hot water heater, choose an Energy Star-rated appliance. These models can save you 10% to 50% in operating costs over traditional appliances.
2. Allow sunlight through your windows during the day. Even a few hours of natural sunlight can help keep your home warmer. At night, shut curtains and blinds to help trap in heat.
3. Use seasonal window treatments. In the winter, make use of heavy drapes and blinds that close tightly.
4. Use foam weather stripping inside of door frames to prevent drafts. Caulk drafts found near window frames or use seasonal plastic sheets to seal up drafts.
5. If you have a fireplace, keep the damper closed unless you have a fire going. Check the seal around the damper to make sure it closes snugly. If you have a fireplace that you never use, plug and seal the chimney flue.
6. Turn down the temperature on your hot water heater. A hot water temperature of 120 degrees should be adequate for household use. Heating your water can account for 14% to 25% of the energy use in your Chevy Chase home!
7. In the winter, turn back the thermostat by 5 or 10 degrees while you are sleeping, and whenever you plan to be away from home for a few hours. In the summer, be sure your air conditioning is adjusted with the same type of strategy, allowing your home to be warmer when you are away. The majority of your home energy costs are spent on heating and cooling!
8. When cooking, avoid the temptation to repeatedly open the oven door and check on the progress of your dish. Set timers and use meat thermometers to cut down on the peek-and-guess cooking method.
9. Install water-saving shower heads.
10. If you’re not already using them, replace your standard light bulbs with CFL bulbs. CFL’s have come a long way since their beginnings and use 75% less energy than traditional bulbs!
11. Use power supply strips with power surge suppressors instead of plugging electronic devices and small appliances directly into wall outlets. This protects your devices from damage from erratic electrical loads, and prevents the device from drawing power needlessly when the power strip is off.
12. If you have ceiling fans that have a reverse direction function, you can use these during winter to help circulate heat.
As your premier Chevy Chase real estate professional, I am always here to help you with your real estate questions! If you are thinking of buying or selling a home in Chevy Chase, MD, turn to me for the professional guidance you can trust. My experience with the Chevy Chase real estate market, and my commitment to client service, will give you the advantage in today’s competitive market!
Contact me today for help with all of your real estate questions!
Melinda Estridge
The Estridge Group-Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
Check Out Our Website
See Homes for Sale in Chevy Chase
Contact Us
